Top 20 Trips to Take in Ireland
Part of studying in Ireland is experiencing the rich cultures and traditions. So make sure to take some time away from the books (and the pubs!) to visit the best of what Ireland has to offer…
1) Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare - This is a truly spectacular landmark in the West of Ireland and is a must see for any visitors to Ireland. Standing 230 metres above ground and 8km long the cliffs boast spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean; a fine visitors centre caters for tourists.
2) Cork Jazz Festival, Co. Cork – Known as Europe’s friendliest jazz event it has played host to greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Gerry Mulligan and Dizzy Gillespie in the past. Over 40,000 people flock to the city each October to experience the talented performances and ambience.
3) Kilkenny Castle, Co. Kilkenny – Kilkenny City is worth visiting anyway to experience its beautiful cobbled streets and warm atmosphere. If you do decide to make the trip make sure to go to the Castle which is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most impressive fortresses and has an interesting art gallery within its walls.
4) Newgrange, Co. Meath - Newgrange is a Pagan Burial ground that was built around 3200 BC. The site attracts hundreds of visitors to see the summer and winter solstices. The biggest draw is the window shaped opening on the inside which was built as an ancient time telling device before the Pyramids. Every year between the 19th and 23rd December light penetrates the box, enters the floor of the chamber and extends to the rear of the passage; this is seen as an ancient tradition of light triumphing over darkness.
5) Dun Aengus, Aran Islands – A stone fort, located just off Galway Bay, is home to a site that is steeped in heritage and history. Amazing views of Inishmore and the Connemara coastline can be seen so don’t forget your camera!
6) Willie Clancy Summer School, Co. Clare – Set up in 1973 in memory of the piper of the same name this summer school opens its doors for one week in July every year to students from all over the world who want to learn all about Irish traditional music; students are taught by experts in Irish dance and music.
7) Glendalough, Co. Wicklow – Known as the valley of two lakes and the city of seven churches this is a great destination for scenery lovers and walking enthusiasts. The Round Tower and picturesque lakes provide a perfect setting for a day out.
8) Galway Arts Festival, Co. Galway – Ireland’s most prestigious arts festival attracts over 100,000 visitors for two weeks in July each year to see hundreds of writers and artists in their glory.
9) Blarney Castle, Co. Cork – Built in 1446 this castle is a popular tourist destination due to the myth of ‘Kissing the Blarney Stone’ which claims that anyone who touches it will get the Irish gift of the gab (i.e. talk a lot)
10) Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly – Overlooking the River Shannon is this monastic city which is enclosed in a field and consists of numerous ancient churches, high crosses and round towers.
11) The Giants Causeway, Co. Antrim – Arguably Northern Irelands biggest tourist attraction; the legend goes that Fin MacCumhail was so taken with a female giant on the Scottish Island of Staffa that he tried to build stepping stones to the island, resulting in an historic landmark.
12) Wexford Opera Festival, Co. Wexford – One of the premier events in Europe each year the festival is now in its 57th year and hosts talented young singers in the beautiful city of Wexford from mid October to early November.
13) Trinity College, Co. Dublin – Ireland’s oldest university was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth and as well as being an educational institution it is one of the most visited sites in the country. Attractions include the Old Library and the Book of Kells however the impressive architecture and lawns are just as appealing, making it a haven from the bustle of the city centre.
14) Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry – One of Ireland’s most famous tours; this encompasses one of the most mystical and unspoilt regions of the island and gives a great insight into the heritage of Ireland.
15) The Guinness Storehouse, Co. Dublin – Originally built in 1904 to house the fermentation of Guinness process; you will be amused to see that the inside core is shaped like a pint glass. If you take the tour of the storehouse you will be brought through the brewing method, the story of the building and will be rewarded with a complimentary pint of Guinness which you can enjoy in style in the Galaxy Bar at the top of the building which boasts panoramic views of Dublin City.
16) Waterford Crystal, Co. Waterford – Another of Ireland’s greatest exports; visitors are invited to come to the place where the magic happens and see how generations of design have come about and the work of the talented artisans. The best thing about this tour is the proximity you will enjoy; they are provided in a wide range of languages.
17) Cois Fharraige, Co. Clare – Meaning ‘beside the sea’ in Irish this festival launched last year to great success. It’s a three day event that combines music and surfing; impressive Irish and international acts will play and plenty of water sports activities are planned in the lovely surroundings of Kilkee town.
18) Christ Church Cathedral, Co. Dublin – Attending a service in this beautiful cathedral promises to be an experience you won’t forget; especially the Christmas Carol services. Christ Church also enjoys the honour of having the longest documented music history of any Irish institution.
19) Day at the Races – There are 27 racecourses in Ireland; more per head of population than any other country in the world; meaning that you will be spoilt for choice in organising a location for what promises to be a great day. The late John B. Keane described the Galway Races as a state of mind; other worthy choices would be the races in the Curragh, Punchestown and Leopardstown; an interest in horseracing is not necessary, the atmosphere and excitement will be enough for anyone.
20) Matchmaking Festival, Co. Clare – One of the best loved events in Ireland this festival is a tongue in cheek singles affair which promises a lot of dancing, music, laughing and craic for anyone brave enough!
So don't go home without sampling the beauty, history and craziness of some of Ireland's best loved attractions! Go n-éirí an bóthar leat!
